Looking for some enchanted evenings? Hours of happy talk? Put Utah at the top of your list of honeymoon destinations in the U.S. You’ll find mountains to climb, deserts to traverse, fine food on which to dine — and romance? But of course. We have national parks, vibrant city life, too. You’ll both be seeing sparks — it’s just perfect for you.
As far as stunning honeymoon destinations go, it’s hard to beat a place with five national parks and eight national monuments. Visit just one for a day or two, or drive Highway 12 Scenic Byway and see several at once. For front row seats, stay in one of the charming towns just outside the parks, or camp right inside.
If you think the parks in Utah look impressive from the ground, wait until you see one from a bird’s eye view. Take an aerial tour on a hot air balloon or in a helicopter. Depending on the spot you pick, you’ll see red rock spires, quirky hoodoos, craggy cliffs and winding rivers.
Nature was kind to Utah. We have hot springs sprinkled across the state, where you can warm your hearts and feet — if you don’t mind a little hike to get there. Even grander, head to the Homestead Crater, where you can scuba dive, swim or soak in crystal clear mineral water.
All of the sites are open year-round. Call it a spa treatment on your list of cheap honeymoon ideas. You’ll have to bring your own plush robes, though.
Utah is a desert, which means we have more sand than a really long beach. Rent a Jeep or ATV and take your honey to the sweetest dunes in the West. Coral Pink Sand Dunes has more than 1,200 acres of the gritty stuff, where you can shred, sandboard and sled. Open any season, the winter temps average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the summer months are in the 80s.
Whether you’re a climber or a glider, Utah is the all-season honeymoon destination. In the summer, hike, bike or ride horseback through pristine wilderness — alpine or desert. Or take the easy route: a scenic tram ride at Snowbird Ski Resort.
During the winter months, the mountains are all dressed in white — with a veil of the powderiest snow you ever laid eyes on. Slip into something comfortable — and warm — and head to one of the 14 ski resorts to shred the slopes.
Want something a little more … together? Cuddle up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride or get all mush-y with a dog sledding experience. Want to get really close? Nothing bonds you more than barrelling down a bobsledding track at four times the force of gravity. (You can take a run on a modified sled in the summer months.)
There’s lots to do outside in Utah, but there are plenty of indoor activities, too.